Can covers and cans having the same

ABSTRACT

A can cover comprising: a top panel having an opening portion with a score line engraved on the top panel; a rotational tab rotatably installed on the top panel; and a severance initializing means for connecting the rotational tab and an area adjacent to the score line of the top panel to initialize a severance of the score line at a start point when the rotational tab is rotated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of PCT International PatentApplication No. PCT/KR2008/006087, filed Oct. 15, 2008, Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2008-0055121, filed Jun. 12, 2008 and Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2007-0104040, filed Oct. 16, 2007, in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a can cover and a can, moreparticularly to a can cover and a can which enables easy opening of alid by rotational movement.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIG. 1 is a view showing a lid of the conventional cans. As shown in thedrawing, the can has a cylindrical shaped body 1 and a lid 2 which isfastened on the top of the body 1.

The lid 2 is provided with an easily openable means for opening adischarge portion of the can. That is, a roughly circular shaped scoreline 3 is engraved on the lid 2 along the discharge portion, and ahandle tab 4 is provided on the lid 2 for pressing a discharge portionwith the score line 3. The handle tab 4 is fixed on the lid 2 by a rivetat the center portion thereof.

With the above configuration, when one end of the handle tab 4 islifted, the other end of the handle tab 4 presses the discharge portionby a leverage to sever the score line 3. As the handle tab 4 is liftedmore, the score line 3 continues to be severed so that the dischargeportion is opened.

In the conventional cans, a user should lift the handle tab 4 by onehand while holding the can by the other hand.

Also, the gap between the handle tab 4 and the top panel of the can isvery small and therefore the hooking of the finger is not favorable, andthus a user sometimes have to use a nail or other instrument for liftingthe handle tab 4.

Further, lifting the handle tab 4 and pressing the discharge portion mayresults in an injury in fingers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed to solve the above problems of theprior art. It is an object of the invention to provide a can cover inwhich a lid is easily openable by a rotational movement instead of theconventional push-and-up method which opens the lid by lifting andpressing the handle tab.

Also, another object of the present invention is to provide a can havingthe above can cover.

In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention providesa can cover comprising: a top panel having an opening portion with ascore line S engraved on the top panel; a rotational tab rotatablyinstalled on the top panel; and a severance initializing means forconnecting the rotational tab and an area adjacent to the score line Sof the top panel to initialize a severance of the score line S at astart point P_(o) when the rotational tab is rotated.

Preferably, the severance initializing means comprises a severanceprotrusion provided on a position where the score line S is formed onthe top panel to connect with the rotational tab.

More preferably, a severance slot is formed on the rotational tab tosurround the severance protrusion, and the severance protrusion isconfigured to press the upper surface of the opening portion when therotational tab is rotated.

Also, the score line S surrounds at least portion of the severanceprotrusion.

According to the invention, the top panel is provided with a concavesection, and the concave section has a boundary adjacent to the scoreline S surrounding the severance protrusion.

Preferably, the rotational tab comprises a driving portion having ahandle portion, and a driven portion opposite the driving portion whichincludes a push portion.

The score line S may comprise a main score line S_(m) engraved along theboundary between the opening portion and the top panel; and an auxiliaryscore line S_(a) extending in the opposite direction of the main scoreline S_(m).

Preferably, the invention may have a separation score line S_(s) forseparating the severance protrusion from the top panel during theprogress of severance of the score line S.

More preferably, the separation score line S_(s) extends in parallel tothe auxiliary score line S_(a) to lead to the main score line S_(m).

Also, the top panel may be provided with an embossment to be pressed bythe severance protrusion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda can comprising: a cylindrical shaped body for containing a beverage;and a can cover having the above configuration, to be fastened on thetop of the body.

According to the present invention, a discharge portion of a can iseasily opened by a simple action, i.e., rotating a rotational tab not bylifting and pressing the handle tab in the conventional can.

Also, since opening a discharge portion of the present invention doesnot require an excessive force and pressure, an injury resulting fromthe conventional can is prevented.

Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forthin part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obviousfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent and more readily appreciated from the following description ofthe embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings ofwhich:

FIG. 1 is a partially perspective view showing a lid portion of theconventional can;

FIG. 2 is a partially perspective view schematically showing a lidportion of a can according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a partially perspective view schematically showing a lidportion of FIG. 2 in which a rotational tab is omitted;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a rotational tabprovided in a can according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line a-a′ of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line b-b′ of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line c-c′ of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line d-d′ of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line e-e′ of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are plan views schematically showing a rotational tabprovided in a can according to another preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, respectively;

FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a lid portion of a canaccording to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a view showing a state in which a severance protrusion isbent in the operation of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a partially perspective view schematically showing arotational tab provided in a can according to still another preferredembodiment of the present invention, respectively;

FIG. 18 is a partially perspective view schematically showing arotational tab provided in a can according to still yet anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention, respectively;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line g-g′ of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a partially perspective view schematically showing arotational tab provided in a can according to a further preferredembodiment of the present invention, respectively;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line n-n′ of FIG. 20 inwhich a severance protrusion is shown;

FIG. 22 is a plan view schematically showing a lid portion of a canaccording to still yet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 23 is a plan view schematically showing a lid portion of a canaccording to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elementsthroughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain thepresent invention by referring to the figures.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lid portion of a can according toa preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, a can of the invention comprises a cylindricalshaped body 10 with a can bottom for containing, for example, abeverage, and a lid 20 fastened on the top of the body 10 in which adischarge portion is opened by an opening means.

As well known, the body 10 is made of metal or plastic. The lid 20 ismade of metal such as aluminum, steel and alloy thereof. The top portionof the body 10 gets wound together with the circumference of the lid 20by a mechanical device to thereby connect each other, which is well knowin the art and detailed description will be omitted.

The lid 20 of the invention comprises a top panel 21, and a rotationaltab 30 which is rotatably installed in the top panel 21. FIGS. 3 and 4show the lid in which the rotational tab 30 is removed.

As shown in the drawing, a score line S is engraved on the surface ofthe top panel 21 to thereby form an opening portion 23. As well known,the score line S is a severed line to facilitate opening of the openingportion 23, and the score line S has a circular shape except for apartial line.

The score line S may have a various curvature which facilitates aseverance of the score line upon rotating the rotational tab 30.

Preferably, the score line S may have a pair of lines one of which is anouter score line that is engraved relatively deep so as to sever, andthe other of which is an inner score line having a small depth just toassist the outer score in easily severing. To make it simple, the scoreline is denoted as a single line.

A rotational axis 24 is protruded at the center portion of the top panel21 where the score line S is not formed, and the rotational tab 30 isconnected with the rotational axis 24.

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 showing a sectional view takenalong the lines A-A′ and B-B′ of FIG. 4, respectively, the rotationalaxis 24 integrally protruding from the top panel 21 of the lid 20inserts into a rotational hole (see 31 in FIG. 7) formed on therotational tab 30 and is riveted at the end to be fixed to therotational tab 30 by a jaw portion (see 24 a in FIG. 5).

A concave section 25 is formed on the top panel 21 underneath therotational tab 30 where a finger may be easily inserted. Also,reinforcement ribs 26 may be formed on the opening portion 23 or otherappropriate area to strengthen the lid 20.

According to the present invention, the concave section 25 has aboundary adjacent to the score line S surrounding the severanceprotrusion 27. In this case, stress may be concentrated on thecircumference of the severance protrusion 27 when rotating therotational tab 30 so that the score line is easily cut.

Here, the rotational axis 24 and the rotational tab 30 may be connectedeach other in various way.

FIG. 7 shows the rotational tab, and FIGS. 8 through 12 are sectionalviews taken along the line a-a′, b-b′, c-c-′, d-d′ and e-e′ of FIG. 7,respectively. Here, FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view in connectionwith the severance protrusion 27.

Referring to the drawings, the rotational tab 30 has a rotational hole31 through which the rotational axis 24 is inserted. Also, therotational tab 30 is provided with a driving portion 30 a that isrotated by a finger and a driven portion 30 b opposite the drivingportion with respect to the rotational hole 31.

Preferably, the driving portion 30 a is longer than the driven portion30 b to have a leverage effect, but not limited to this configuration.

The rotational tab 30 is preferably made of hard metal such as steel,aluminum and alloy thereof. A handle portion 32 is formed to be bentupward on the driving portion 30 a of the rotational tab 30 so thathooking of finger is easy for rotation.

Preferably, a push portion 33 is provided on the driven portion 30 bopposite the handle portion 32 to enable a user to push by fingers. Forexample, the push portion 33 may be formed by bending the edge of therotational tab 30 as shown in FIG. 12.

With the above configuration, a user hooks the handle portion 32 by histhumb and pushes the push portion 33 by his index finger to therebyrotate the rotational tab 30 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2. Inthis case, since the rotational tab 30 is biased at both ends at thesame time, it may be easily rotated.

Reference numeral 34 denotes a reinforcement hole to strengthen therotational tab 30 in FIG. 7.

The rotational tab of the invention is rotated to open the cam lid,which is a different characteristic from the prior art so that therotational tab may have a various design to facilitate hooking offinger, pushing and rotation as exampled in FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a can cover according to a preferredembodiment of the invention similar to FIG. 4. Hereinafter, theconfiguration of the can cover will be described with reference to FIG.15.

According to the present invention, there is provided a severanceinitializing means for initializing a severance of the score line S whenthe rotational tab 30 is rotated. The severance initializing means alsoconnects the rotational tab 30 and an area adjacent to the score line Sof the top panel 21 each other.

It is understood that the severance initializing means may be modifiedinto various members that connects the rotational tab 30 and the areaadjacent to the score line S of the top panel 21 as set forth below.

According to the present embodiment, the severance initializing meanscomprises a severance protrusion 27 which is formed on the top panel 21to insert into a connection hole 35 on the rotational tab 30.

Specifically, the connection hole 35 is formed at one side of therotational hole (31 of FIG. 7) on the rotational tab 30, and theseverance protrusion 27 fits into the connection hole 35(see FIGS. 6 and10).

Also, a severance slot 36 is formed on the surrounding area of theseverance protrusion 27. The severance slot 36 functions to promote theeasy break of the severance protrusion 27 when the rotational tab 30rotates to open the can lid. To do so, the severance slot 36 is locatedin the direction of rotation of the rotational tab 30.

Preferably, a break groove 37 in FIG. 7 is provided on the lower surfaceof the rotational tab 30 to ease the break of the severance protrusion27. More preferably, a plurality of reinforcement protrusions (see 38 inFIGS. 7 and 11) may be formed on the rotational tab 30 adjacent to thebreak groove 37.

The severance protrusion 27 is located adjacent to a position where thescore line S begins to sever. The severance protrusion 27 is insertedinto the connection hole 35 and riveted at the end to be fixed to therotational tab 30.

The severance protrusion 27 breaks in the rotational direction of therotational tab 30 to initialize the severance of the score line S.

Preferably, the severance protrusion 27 presses down the upper surfaceof the opening portion 23 upon the initialization of severance so thatthe score line S keeps severing to open the opening portion 23.

According to the present invention, the score line S may be designed inshape and position so as to facilitate the initialization of severingupon a rotation of the rotational tab 30 and the progress of severance,one example of which is illustrated in FIG. 15.

For facilitation of severance a start point P_(o) of the score line S islocated adjacent to the severance protrusion 27, and a main score lineS_(m) and an auxiliary score line S_(a) extends bilaterally from thestart point P_(o) to surround at least portion of severance protrusion27.

The main score line S_(m) is engraved along the boundary between theopening portion 23 and the top panel 21 so that the opening portion 23is opened upon the severance of the main score line S_(m). The auxiliaryscore line S_(a) extends in the opposite direction of the main scoreline S_(m) to assist in opening the opening portion 23 and the severanceof the auxiliary score line S_(a) is relatively retarded compared to themain score line S_(m). To do so, the auxiliary score line S_(a) has asmaller depth in partial than the main score line S_(m).

According to the present invention, there is provided a separation scoreline S_(s) for separating the severance protrusion 27 from the top panel21 during the progress of severance of the score line S.

The separation score line S_(s) is engraved on the top plate 21 tosurround at least portion of the severance protrusion 27. Preferably,the separation score line S_(s) extends in parallel to the auxiliaryscore line S_(a) to lead to the main score line S_(m) with theseparation protrusion 27 located therebetween.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thescore lines S may have different depth from one another. That is, atleast portion of the auxiliary score line S_(a) may have a depth smallerthan the main score line S_(m).

Accordingly, the score line having a large depth severs prior to thescore line having a small depth when the rotational tab 30 is rotated.The depth of the score lines would be determined for the sequence ofseverance as desired.

According to the present invention, a facilitation line is formed on thetop panel 21 to ease the severance of the score lines S. Specifically, afacilitation line 28 a is formed at inner side of the main score lineS_(m) to ease the severance of the main score line S_(m), and otherfacilitation line 28 b is formed on the top panel 21 between theboundary of the concave section 25 and the score line S surrounding theseverance protrusion.

Such facilitation lines 28 may be formed by engraving the top panel tothe depth smaller than the score lines.

More preferably, the top panel 21 has an embossment 29 on the uppersurface which is pressed by the severance protrusion 27 in contact so asto bend the opening portion 23 during the rotation of the rotational tab30.

More preferably, the embossment 29 may have hemispheric or corn shape,but not limited to the shape. Alternatively, a plurality of embossments29 may be provided or formed consecutively.

Reference numeral 41 denotes a reinforced embossment in FIG. 15.

The operation of opening the can lid of the present invention now willbe described.

A user is able to open the can lid by rotating the rotational tab 30with a finger while holding the can in one hand. That is, the rotationaltab 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow of FIG. 2 by hooking thehandle portion 32 of the driving portion 30.

Then, the rotational tab 30 rotates clockwise about the rotational axis24. Preferably, the user may rotate the rotational tab 30 with hookingthe handle portion 32 by an index finger and pushing the push portion 33by a thumb.

During the above rotation of the rotational tab 30, the severanceprotrusion 27 on the driven portion 30 b rotates in the direction ofdotted arrow in FIG. 15 to initialize the severance of the score linesS.

Shortly after the rotational tab 30 begins to rotate, the portion wherethe severance protrusion is connected collapses downward due to theseverance slot 36 so that the severance protrusion 27 is bent in therotated direction.

In this case, the severance slot 36 functions to decrease the initialforce required to bend the severance protrusion 27. Once the severanceprotrusion 27 is bent, the driving force of the rotational tab 30 isdirectly transferred to the severance protrusion 27. At this time, theseverance protrusion 27 is facilitated to be bent due to the breakgroove 37 on the lower surface of the rotational tab 30.

With the above operation, the score lines S surrounding the severanceprotrusion 27 begin to sever at the start point P_(o). That is, as shownin (a) and (b) of FIG. 16, the start point P_(o) of the score lines Sbegins to sever while the rotational tab 30 is bent at the position ofthe break groove 37.

Such a severance of the score line progresses to the point P₂ and pointP₃ through the main score line S_(m) and the auxiliary score line S_(a).

When the severance of the score line progresses to the point P₃ wherethe main score line S_(m) and the separation score line S_(s) meet eachother during the rotational of the rotational tab 30, the separationscore line S_(s) begins to sever from point P₃ to point P₄.

With the severance of the separation score line S_(s), the severanceprotrusion 27 is fully bent and presses the opening portion 23 incontact with the upper surface of the opening portion 23 as shown (c) inFIG. 16. Then, the opening portion 23 begins to collapse downward.

Meanwhile, the auxiliary score line S_(a) from the point P₂ to point P₈has a relatively shallow depth, which guide the severance protrusion 27to sever toward the inner side of the can.

As the rotational tab 30 rotates more, the separation score line S_(s)and the main score line S_(m) sever at the same time from point P₄ topoint P₅ and from point P₃ to point P₆, respectively.

Accordingly, the severance protrusion 27 moves in the direction of thedotted arrow in FIG. 15 while pressing the upper surface of the openingportion 23. At this time, the severance of the main score line S_(m)progresses to the point P₇ along the circular arc.

During the severance of the main score line S_(m) from the point P₆ tothe point P_(O7), the auxiliary score line S_(a) severs from the pointP₂ to the point P₈.

Such a severance of the auxiliary score line S_(a) and the separationscore line S_(s) results in a strip 42 which links the severanceprotrusion 27 with the top panel 21.

When the main score line S_(m) is severed to the point P₇ by therotation of the rotational tab 30, the opening portion is fully openeddue to the pressure of the severance protrusion 27 with respect to theupper surface of the opening portion 23, which enables a user to drinkbeverages or something like that.

Preferably, since the upper surface of the opening portion 23 isprovided with an embossment 29 which is pressed by the severanceprotrusion 27, the opening portion 23 is effectively opened with therotation of the rotational tab 30.

FIG. 17 shows a rotational tab according to another preferred embodimentof the present invention, wherein the identical elements consequentlybear the same reference numerals of the previous drawings.

In the present embodiment, bent members 39 are provided at the breakgroove 37 on the rotational tab, and openings 39 a having a width largerthan that of the bent member are formed between the bent members 39.Accordingly, the bent members 39 are easily bent due to the openings 39a upon the rotation of the rotational tab.

Additionally, openings 39 b are provided adjacent to the push portion 33to facilitate the bend of rotational tab.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a rotational tab according to still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the identicalelements consequently bear the same reference numerals of the previousdrawings.

A rotational tab of the resent invention has bent members 39 around thebreak groove 37, and a portion 40 adjacent to the push portion 33 withrespect to the bent members 39 declines downward.

Accordingly, the bent members 39 are easily bent due to the declinedportion 40 during the rotation of the rotational tab.

Preferably, a plurality of slits 43 are formed on the declined portionfor reinforcement.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show a rotational tab according to still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the identicalelements consequently bear the same reference numerals of the previousdrawings. FIG. 21 is a view taken along the line n-n′ in FIG. 20,wherein the severance protrusion is provided.

A rotational tab of the present embodiment comprises an extended portion51 extending downward from the body of the rotational tab, and aconnection portion 52 extending horizontally from the extended portion51.

The connection portion 52 is provided with a connection hole 35 in whichthe severance protrusion 27 inserts as set forth above.

Also, the extended portion 51 has a plurality of slits 53.

When the rotational tab of the present embodiment is rotated for openingthe can, the extended portion 51 is bent to collapse the severanceprotrusion 27. At this time, the extended portion 51 is easily bent by asmall force because it has a plurality of slits 53. On the contrary, theconnection portion 52 is reinforced by folding the edge thereof.

The can covers of the present invention may have a various mechanism ofseverance depending on the form of score lines. FIG. 22 illustratesscore lines according to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

In the present embodiment, when the rotational tab 30 is rotated, theseverance protrusion 27 collapses in the same manner as the previousembodiment to initialize the severance of a score lines S at a startpoint P_(o). Subsequently, a main score line S_(m) and an auxiliaryscore line S_(a) sever to a point P₂ and a point P₃, respectively,

And then, a separation score line S_(s) begins to sever from a point P₄where the main score line S_(m) and the separation score line S_(s) meeteach other to a point P₅.

As the rotational tab rotates more, the severance of the main score lineS_(m) progresses from the point P₃ to a point P₆, and from the point P₂to a point P₈.

After that, the main score line severs from the point P₆ to a point P₉,and the auxiliary score line S_(a) severs from the point P₅ to a pointP₇. At this time, the severance protrusion 27 presses the openingportion while it is linked with the opening portion 23 by means of astrip 42 as the same as in the previous embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates score lines according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, a severance protrusion 27 collapses and scorelines S begins to sever from a start point P_(o) during the rotation ofthe rotational tab. The severances of a main score line S_(m) and anauxiliary score line S_(a) progress to a point P₂ and a point P₅,respectively.

Then, a separation score line S_(s) severs from a point P₃ where themain score line S_(m) and the separation score line S_(s) meet eachother while the auxiliary score line and the main score line sever to apoint P₄ and a point P₇, respectively.

As the rotational tab is rotated more, the separation score line S_(s)and the main score line S_(m) sever to a point P₈ and a point P₉,respectively. Like the above, the severance protrusion 27 presses theopening portion 23 in connection with the opening portion 23 by a strip42 from the point P₆ to the pointy P₈.

The present invention has been described in detail. However, it shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way ofillustration only, since various changes and modifications within thespirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilledin the art from this detailed description.

1. A can cover comprising: a top panel having an opening portion with ascore line engraved on the top panel; a rotational tab rotatablyinstalled on the top panel; and a severance initializing means forconnecting the rotational tab and an area adjacent to the score line ofthe top panel to initialize a severance of the score line at a startpoint when the rotational tab is rotated.
 2. The can cover according toclaim 1, wherein the severance initializing means comprises a severanceprotrusion provided on a position where the score line is formed on thetop panel to connect with the rotational tab.
 3. The can cover accordingto claim 2, wherein a severance slot is formed on the rotational tab tosurround the severance protrusion.
 4. The can cover according to claim3, wherein the severance protrusion is configured to press the uppersurface of the opening portion when the rotational tab is rotated. 5.The can cover according to claim 2, wherein the score line surrounds atleast portion of the severance protrusion.
 6. The can cover according toclaim 2, wherein the top panel is provided with a concave section, andthe concave section has a boundary adjacent to the score linesurrounding the severance protrusion.
 7. The can cover according toclaim 1, wherein the rotational tab comprises a driving portion having ahandle portion, and a driven portion opposite the driving portion whichincludes a push portion.
 8. The can cover according to claim 1, whereinthe score line comprises: a main score line engraved along the boundarybetween the opening portion and the top panel; and an auxiliary scoreline extending in the opposite direction of the main score line.
 9. Thecan cover according to claim 8, further comprising a separation scoreline for separating the severance protrusion from the top panel duringthe progress of severance of the score line.
 10. The can cover accordingto claim 9, wherein the separation score line extends in parallel to theauxiliary score line to lead to the main score line.
 11. The can coveraccording to claim 2, wherein the top panel is provided with anembossment to be pressed by the severance protrusion.
 12. A cancomprising: a cylindrical shaped body for containing a beverage; and acan cover having the configuration of claim 1, to be fastened on the topof the body.